Sunday, January 27, 2013

I have a rectangular dining table which I love, but I am starting to think that an oval shaped table would be my choice if I was in the market for a new one. It really is a very practical shape. It can have the capacity of a large rectangular table, with the flexibility and conviviality of a circular table. It is easily possible to seat 2 or 3 people around either end if you have a larger crowd without it feeling too cramped. Here are some oval shaped tables in pretty dining room settings that appeal to me and hopefully to you.

Monday, January 21, 2013

I have seen this bathroom around a lot on the web - you probably have too. Lucky for me (and you), I stumbled upon the rest of the home and it, thankfully, lives up to it's bathroom. Take a look...

I love the subtle blue/grey on the walls, the beautiful fireplace, the herringbone floor, the antique furniture combined with the more modern brickmakers coffee table, the touches of blue, the internal shutters ..... I could go on and on....

What a lovely, informal dining room. Notice the hexagonal floor tiles, the beautiful wall treatment and the oversized fireplace. The dining table and benches look like they might have been made from old scaffolding planks.

Entryway with a beautiful light-fitting

Notice the beautiful moulding under the staircase. I love how casually the pedestal and statue have been placed.

Sheet music adorns the walls of the music room. I love the mix of the rustic table and Louis XVI chair.

Monday, January 14, 2013

I really, really do love furniture upholstered in paler colours... off-white, cream, the palest shades of blue, grey or sage... I have tried not to.... 4 sons and 2 dogs... you understand.... it isn't a particularly happy combination....but I can't help it.

I can't really show you my own pale upholstery .... 4 sons, 2 dogs... you understand... but I will show you some of my favourite examples. Enjoy!

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

I won't bore you holiday stories or photos, but I do want to congratulate my American and British blog friends and readers on your wonderful countries. My family and I had such a fantastic time in both countries and everyone we came across was so friendly and helpful. My 15 year old son is having a hard time deciding if he wants to live in London or New York one day!

I actually got back more than a week ago, but have been having a bit of trouble getting my blogging "groove" back. Has this ever happened to you? I am going to need some time to think of new ideas for posts this year. My brain is definitely still in holiday mode! But I have to start somewhere so in this post I'm just going to show you some random ideas that I like and perhaps you will like too.

This is such a great look. It is perfect for hiding a less than attractive table and if you are short of storage, a basket placed underneath can hold all those things you don't want in the public eye. A very elegant and budget beating option, in my opinion.

This arrangement is the perfect solution for a guest room. If your guests require two single beds, instead of a double, you can just move them apart and put the table between them. Definitely more versatile that a double bed.

The lack of any overhead cupboards make this kitchen feel far more spacious than it actually is. The demi-lune table flanked by 2 chairs works very well in this fairly narrow space - the perfect spot for a cup of tea or a chat with a friend.

I thought that this was such a clever idea, all you need are some glass vases and different sizes of rope and voila! Another budget beater too.

I love these overstuffed ottomans placed at the bottom of the bed. I can imagine having a cup of coffee here, a chat with my husband, the ideal place for the dogs to have a nap and if I need extra seating anywhere else in the house for an occasion, I could use these. Perfection!

I love, love, love this idea of using factory style doors and windows for a shower enclosure. It has so much more character than the more common plain glass shower surround.

And finally, what a great way to use that vintage silver tea set that has been gathering dust - to house your bathroom essentials - of course!

In closing, a big welcome to my new followers, and wishing you and all my regular (and irregular) readers a New Year alive with possibilities!

About Me

I am married with four sons. We live in beautiful Cape Town, South Africa. Interior decorating and design has been my passion for as long as I can remember. I am also an incurable Francophile, enjoy good food and fine wine (actually any wine is fine with me) and generally living well.